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DO NOT OVERLOAD - DRIVING ON ANY OVERLOADED TIRE IS
DANGEROUS
The maximum load rating of your tires is molded on the tire sidewall. Do
not exceed this rating. Follow the loading instructions of the manufac-
turer of your vehicle and this will ensure that your tires are not
overloaded. Tires which are loaded beyond their maximum allowable
loads for the particular application will build up excessive heat that may
result in sudden tire destruction.
Do not exceed the gross axle weight rating for any axle on your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
If you anticipate towing a trailer, you should visit any Michelin tire
retailer for advice concerning the correct size tire and pressures. Tire size
and pressures will depend upon the type and size of trailer and hitch
utilized, but in no case must the maximum cold inflation pressure or tire
load rating be exceeded. Check the tire decal and the owner ’s manual
supplied by the manufacturer of your vehicle for further recommenda-
tions on trailer towing.
MICHELIN® PAX® System Tires/Self-Supporting Zero Pressure (ZP)
Tires and Trailer Towing
Operation of Pax or ZP tires at low or zero air pressure with a trailer in
tow, is dangerous and is not recommended. If the low pressure warning
indicator is activated when a trailer is in tow, stop, disconnect the trailer,
and do not continue to tow the trailer until the tire has been repaired and
re-inflated to the proper air pressure. If the tire cannot be repaired, it must
be replaced with a new full size, PAX/ZP tire, and inflated to the proper
air pressure, before the trailer can be safely towed again.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BALANCING ARE IMPORTANT FOR
SAFETY AND MAXIMUM MILEAGE FROM YOUR TIRES.
CHECK HOW YOUR TIRES ARE WEARING AT LEAST ONCE EACH
MONTH
If your tires are wearing unevenly, such as the inside shoulder of the tire
wearing faster than the rest of the tread, or if you detect excessive
vibration, your vehicle may be out of alignment or balance. These
conditions not only shorten the life of your tires but adversely affect the
handling characteristics of your vehicle, which could be dangerous. If
you detect irregular wear or vibration, have your alignment and balance
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checked immediately. Tires which have been run underinflated will show
more wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread.
TIRE MIXING
MICHELIN® tires are radial tires and for best performance it is recom-
mended that the same size and type of tire be used on all four wheel
positions. Before mixing tires of different types in any configuration on
any vehicle, be sure to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s owner‘s manual
for its recommendations.
It is especially important to check the vehicle manufacturer ’s owner ’s
manual when mixing, matching, or replacing tires on 4-wheel drive
vehicles, as this may require special precautions.
MICHELIN DOES NOT RECOMMEND MIXING PAX® SYSTEM TIRES
WITH NON-PAX TIRES / SELF-SUPPORTING ZERO PRESSURE (ZP)
TIRES WITH NON-ZP TIRES OTHER THAN THE TEMPORARY USE
OF THE SPARE IF THE VEHICLE IS SO EQUIPPED.
WINTER DRIVING
Tires which meet the Rubber Manufactures Association (RMA) definition
of snow tires are marked M/S, or M&S. On such tires, this designation is
molded into the sidewall. Tires without this notation are not recom-
mended or winter driving.
While All-Season tires are designed to provide reliable
performance in some winter conditions, the use of four
(4) winter tires is recommended for optimal performance.
Tires designate for use in severe winter conditions are
marked on at leas one sidewall with the letter “M”
TIRE ROTATION AND REPLACEMENT
To obtain maximum tire wear, it may be necessary to rotate your tires.
Refer to your vehicle owner ’s manual for instructions on tire rotation. If
you do not have an owner‘s manual for your vehicle, Michelin recom-
mends rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10,000 to 12,000 km).
Monthly inspection for tire wear is recommended. Your tires should be
rotated at the first sign of irregular wear, even if it occurs before 6,000
miles (10,000 km). This is true for all vehicles.
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When rotating tires with a directional tread pattern, observe the arrows
molded on the sidewall which show the direction the tire should turn.
Care must be taken to maintain the proper turning direction.
Some Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) may not recognize
that a tire has been moved to a different position on your vehicle. Make
certain that your TPMS system is reset, if necessary, so as to correctly
identify the location of each tire on your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle
owner ’s manual or your vehicle dealer.
Determine whether rotated tires require tire inflation adjustment as front
and rear position tire pressure may vary according to the vehicle
manufacturer ’s specification due to the actual load on that wheel
position. Some vehicles may have different sized tires mounted on the
front and rear axles, and these different sized tires have rotation
restrictions. Always check the vehicle owner ’s manual for the proper
rotation recommendations.
Full-size Spare
Full-size spare tires (not temporary spares) of the same size and construc-
tion should be used in a five (5) tire rotation. Always check the inflation
pressure of the full-size spare immediately before incorporating it into
rotation. Follow the vehicle manufacturer ’s recommended pattern for
rotation, or if not available, see a qualified tire technician.
Replacement of Two (2) Tires
It is recommended that all four (4) tires are replaced at the same time.
However, when only two tires are replaced, the new tires should be put
on the rear. The new tires, with deeper tread, may provide better grip and
water evacuation in wet driving conditions.
CUSTOMIZATION OF TIRES, WHEELS, OR SUSPENSION ON
SUVS AND LIGHT TRUCKS
Due to their size, weight and higher center of gravity, vehicles such as
SUVs and light trucks do not have the same handling characteristics as
automobiles. Because of these differing characteristics, failure to operate
your SUV/truck in a proper and safe manner can increase the likelihood
of vehicle rollover. Modifications to your SUV/truck tire size, tire type,
wheels or suspension can change its handling characteristics and further
increase the likelihood of vehicle rollover. Whether your SUV/truck has
the original equipment configuration for tires, wheels and suspension or
whether any of these items have been modified, always drive safely,
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avoid sudden, sharp turns or lane changes and obey all traffic laws.
Failure to do so may result in loss of vehicle control leading to an accident
and serious injury or death.
TIRE ALTERATIONS
Do not make or allow to be made any alterations on your tires.
Alterations may prevent proper performance, leading to tire damage
which can result in an accident. Tires which become unserviceable due to
alterations such as truing, whitewall inlays, addition of balancing or
sealant liquids, or the use of tire dressing containing petroleum distillates
are excluded from warranty coverage.
REPAIRS WHEREVER POSSIBLE, SEE YOUR MICHELIN® TIRE
RETAILER AT ONCE
If any MICHELIN® tire sustains a puncture, have the tire demounted
and thoroughly inspected by any Michelin tire retailer for possible
damage that may have occurred. A tread area puncture in any MI-
CHELIN® passenger or light truck tire can be repaired provided that the
puncture hole is not more than 1/4” in diameter, not more than one radial
cable per casing ply is damaged, and the tire has not been damaged
further by the puncturing object or by running underinflated. Tire
punctures consistent with these guidelines can be repaired by following
the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommended repair
procedures.
TIRE REPAIRS
Repairs of all tires must be of the combined plug and inside patch type.
Your MICHELIN® PAX® System tires must be removed from the wheel
for inspection prior to repair. Plug only repairs are improper. A tire
should be removed from the rim and inspected prior to repair. Any tire
repair done without removing the tire from the rim is improper. An
improperly repaired tire will cause further damage to the tire by either
leaking air or allowing air, moisture and contaminants to enter the
structure of the tire. An improperly repaired tire can fail suddenly at a
later date.
Never repair a tire with less than 2/32 nds of an inch tread remaining. At
this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced.
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STORAGE
Tires contain waxes and emollients to protect their outer surfaces from
ozone and weather checking. As the tire rolls and flexes, the waxes and
emollients continually migrate to the surface, replenishing this protection
throughout the normal use of the tire. Consequently, when tires sit
outdoors, unused for long periods of time (a month or more) their
surfaces become dry and more susceptible to ozone and weather check-
ing and the casing becomes susceptible to flat spotting.For this reason,
tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment.
If storage is for one month or more, eliminate the weight from the tires
by raising the vehicle or by removing the tires from the vehicle. Failure
to store tires in accordance with these instructions could result in
damage to your tires or premature aging of the tires and sudden tire
failure.
When tires are stored, be sure they are placed away from sources of heat
and ozone such as hot pipes and electric generators. Be sure that surfaces
on which tires are stored are clean and free from grease, gasoline or other
substances which could deteriorate the rubber.(Tires exposed to these
materials during storage or driving could be subject to sudden failure.)
FOLLOW THESE MOUNTING RECOMMENDATIONS
Tire changing can be dangerous and must be done by professionally
trained persons using proper tools and procedures as specified by the
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). PAX® System tires must be
mounted and dismounted only by specially trained, authorized PAX
System retailers, utilizing PAX System authorized equipment.
Your tires should be mounted on wheels of correct size and type and
which are in good, clean condition. Wheels that are bent, chipped, rusted
(steel wheels) or corroded (alloy wheels) may cause tire damage. The
inside of the tire must be free from foreign material. Have your retailer
check the wheels before mounting new tires. Mismatched tires and rims
can explode during mounting. Also, mismatched tires and rims can result
in dangerous tire failure on the road. If a tire is mounted by error on the
wrong-sized rim, do not remount it on the proper rim scrap it. It may
have been damaged internally (which is not externally visible) by having
been dangerously stretched and could fail on the highway.
Old valves may leak. When new tubeless tires are mounted, have new
valves of the correct type installed. Tubeless tires must only be
mounted on wheels designed for tubeless tires i.e., wheels which have
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safety humps or ledges. As with any other tire air valve, the PAX®
System valve stem-pressure sensor combination must be in good
condition to assure its performance. Always utilize valve caps capable
of containing the tire’s air pressure, should the valve core leak. The
valve cap is the primary seal against air loss.
It is recommended that you have your tires and wheels balanced. Tires
and wheels which are not balanced may cause steering difficulties, a
bumpy ride, and irregular tire wear.
SPECIAL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAX® SYSTEM
TIRES
PAX System wheels are different from all other wheels. Never attempt to
mount a non-PAX System tire on a PAX System wheel, or a PAX® System
tire on a non-PAX System wheel. Attempting to do so could cause serious
injury or death. All PAX System components (tire, wheel, support ring,
pressure sensor and gel) must be utilized. Never utilize a PAX System tire
and wheel without every other properly functioning component part,
correctly installed by an Authorized PAX System retailer. The PAX
System must be used on all wheel positions.
After a low or zero pressure driving event, the PAX System tire and wheel
may be hot to the touch.Always allow a PAX® System tire to cool
before attempting to handle it. Failure to do so could result in injury.
SPECIAL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR SELF-SUPPORTING
ZERO PRESSURE™ (ZP) TIRES
ZP tires can be more difficult to mount than conventional tires. They
should be mounted and demounted only by a properly trained tire
professional. ZP tires can generate a tremendous amount of heat when
run at low or zero pressure. ALWAYS ALLOW A ZP TIRE TO COOL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO HANDLE IT. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD
RESULT IN INJURY.
MICHELIN® ZP tires are tubeless tires designed to operate in emergency
conditions at low or zero air pressure.
MICHELIN® SELF SUPPORTING Zero Pressure (ZP) TIRES AND
SPECIAL SH-M (SYMMETRIC HUMP-MODIFIED) WHEELS
Some MICHELIN® ZP tires can only perform with zero pressure
capability when mounted on special SH-M wheels. These tires bear the
SH-M designation immediately following the ZP designation on the
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sidewall of the tire. DO NOT MOUNT ZP TIRES WITH THE SH-M
DESIGNATION ON STANDARD WHEELS. IN SUCH APPLICATIONS,
THE TIRES MAY BECOME UNSERVICEABLE AT LOW OR ZERO
PRESSURE, CAUSING SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.
SPECIAL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR MICHELIN® TRX™
TIRES
The MICHELIN® TRX™ tire is a tubeless tire that must only be mounted
on special wheels (TR or JM type) with millimetric seat diameter. If TRX
tires are mounted on standard wheels, they will not retain air due to an
air escape feature designed into the bead area of these tires.
Do not try to override this feature by mounting TRX tires with tubes.
The MICHELIN® TRX tire must be used on all wheel positions.
TEMPORARY TYPE SPARE TIRES
When using any temporary type spare tire, be sure to follow the vehicle
manufacturer ’s instructions.
READING THE DOT
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (prior to August 2000)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXX (1990-1999)
DOT XXXX XXXX XXXX (after July 2000)
THE DOT
The “DOT” symbol certifies tire manufacturer ’s compliance with U.S.
Department of Transportation tire safety standards. Next to the symbol is
the tire identification or “serial number”. The first two characters identify
the plant where the tire was manufactured. The next two characters
reflect the tire size. The following one to four digits may be used at the
tire manufacturer ’s option as a descriptive code. The last three characters
are numbers identifying the week and year of manufacture. (Example:
“O25” means second week of the year of decade, eg.: 1995, 1985, etc.) For
the 1990-1999 decade MICHELIN® brand tires are marked with a triangle
pointing to the last three numeric characters. Tires produced after July
2000 have an additional digit to identify a given decade. For example,
2800 means the tire was produced during the 28th week of 2000; 0201
during the 2nd week of 2001. If the last digits of your DOT number
contains three numeric characters and is not marked with a triangle,
consult a qualified tire technician to determine the year of manufacture.
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SERVICE LIFE FOR PASSENGER CAR AND LIGHT TRUCK
TIRES INCLUDING SPARE TIRES
The following recommendation applies to passenger car and light truck
tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber
compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper
functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over
time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as
weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation
pressure, maintenance etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its
life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately
predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not
possible.
That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure
maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have passenger car and
light truck tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified
tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for
continued service. Tires which have been in use for 5 years or more
should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually. Con-
sumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual
condition and inflation pressure but also of any change in dynamic
performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be
an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent
tire failure. It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based
on their calendar age alone. However the older a tire the greater the
chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution
or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use.
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is
recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of
manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple
precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not
reached the legal wear limit. For tires that were on an original equipment
vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the
vehicle manufacturer ’s tire replacement recommendations, when speci-
fied (but not to exceed 10 years).
The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each
tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT
code on the tire which begins with DOT and ends with the week and year
of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “2204” indicates
a tire made in the 22nd week (May) of 2004.
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